As a result of the last Roll Call, Lisa Baggett sent me some very interesting documentation concerning the Towles family. Included is a transcription of the Will of Stokeley Towles (c.1690-1757), which I have copied to this message for anyone else who might be interested. Although I had previously seen a general description of the will, I had not personally seen the entire transcription before. In the will, Stokeley describes himself as a resident of Culpeper County, in the PARISH OF BRUMFIELD. Does anyone happen to know the location of this parish? The documentation from Lisa originally came from William B. Newman, who did some significant research into the Towles family in the 1920's and 1930's. Also included in the documentation are the wills of Stokeley's two different sons named Henry. Also the very interesting settlement of the will of the younger of the two Henry Towles, which was contested. Rick Waggener Walnut Creek, California ---------------------------------- The Will of Stokley Towles In the name of God Amen. I Stokley Towles of the County of Culpeper and parish of Brumfield being sick and weak if body but perfect in sense and memory thanks to God for the same, do make this my last will and testament in form and manner as followeth to wit: Item. I give and bequeath to my son Joseph Towles my dividend of land beginning at the north of the Little Run and running from thence the several courses up the said run to the mountain ground, from thence up the hollow to John Layton's line to him and his heirs forever. And the rest of the land which I had from Thomas Walker from the south side of said run and so up the run several courses to the said John Layton's line I give to Isaac Medley his heirs and assigns: Item. I give to my youngest son Henry Towles the old negro man Charles to him and his heirs. Item. I give to my well beloved wife Jane Towles and the two children which I had by her Mary Towles and Henry Towles three feather beds and furniture: Item. I give to my wife and the two children I had by her fourteen head of cattle such as she thinks proper, and likewise all my sheep, horses, mares, bridles, saddles, carts and wheels; also my crop of tobacco, corn and wheat and all other grain with all the fodder, and likewise all the goods that I have sent for to Liverpool by Capt. Gayworth; all my hogs and the crop of cotton. Item. I give to my wife my chest of drawers walnut chest one looking glass three iron pots such as she thinks to choose; also two skillets and two tables and half of my chairs to her liking and half of my pewter and all my tin pans and all my bee hives and all my woodenware and all the fowls upon the plantation and all the beef and bacon that I killed in he house and about four pistoles I have owing to me which I give to my youngest son Henry Towles which I deserve for to give him learning. And two spinning wheels one linel wheel and the other a wooden one and three glass bottles and of either of these two children Mary Towles or Henry Towles should die before they come to man and woman's estate that part of the said estate shall go to the other. And desire is that the rest of my estate except the above mentioned legacie my be equally divided amongst all my children old and young but I desire that the said estate may not come to an apprisement; And I appoint Spencer Bobo and! my wife Jane Towles Executor and executress to this my last will and testament as witness my hand this fifteenth day of January 1757. Stokley Towles John Layton his Thos. Layton X mark N.B. I give to my son John Towles my best coat jacket and breeches; my great coat and fine hat to my son Joseph Towles. Proved Dec. 15, 1757 Jane Towles qualified Bobo declined.